The shoebill is noted for its slow movements and tendency to remain still for long periods, resulting in repeated descriptions of the species as “statue-like”. They are quite sensitive to human disturbance and may abandon their nests if flushed by humans. However, while foraging, if dense vegetation stands between it and humans, this wader can be fairly tame. The shoebill is attracted to poorly oxygenated waters where fish frequently surface to breathe.
1 Day Shoebill tracking in Entebbe ( A day Spent searching for the shoebill Stork)
BRIEF ITINERARY:
- 06:00 am: Breakfast at your hotel (Not included in the Price)
- 06:45 am: Pick up from your hotel in Entebbe.
- 07:00 am: Meet up with your local canoe/bike guide and start your trip to Mabamba Swamp.
- 07:45 am – onwards: Arrive at Mabamba Swamp and begin the search for the elusive Shoebill stork.
- After spotting the shoebill, you’ll then head back to the Entebbe mainland. –
End of the 1 Day Shoebill Tracking In Entebbe.
Detailed Itinerary for the 1 Day shoebill tracking in Entebbe Tour.
Our shoe bill specialist guide will lead you on this excursion to Mabamba Swamp home to the Shoebill Stork.
You will depart your hotel at 06:45 am either by car or on the saddle of a mountain bike to the ferry landing at Nakiwogo trading center in Entebbe. Here you will cross lake Victoria by canoe ( if you book the cycling experience) continuing with the cycling tour through local communities and later to the swamp for Shoebill tracking.
Shoebill tracking at the Mabamba swamp is done on a traditional wooden curved canoe on which you sail through the marsh channels of the Swamp. This canoe trip through the papyrus swamp will take you to the untouched wetland, where you will have the highest chance of seeing Shoebill and other swamp-dwelling bird species like; the Saddle-billed Stork, Malachite Kingfisher, African Jacana, among others.
Your trip to Mabamba will give you an opportunity to familiarize yourself with one of Uganda’s beautiful wetlands homes to the most sought-after bird the shoebill stork.
Other special bird sightings include White-winged Warbler, Papyrus Gonolek, yellow-backed weaver, Northern Brown-throated Weaver, Blue-headed Coucal, and other swamp specialties. Look out for the shoebill stork both in the sky and down on the marsh.
Return to your Hotel with yet a mouth-pouring memory of having tracked the elusive gigantic shoe bill on Lake Victoria.
End of Service – 1 day Shoebill tracking excursion on Lake Victoria
By motorized Canoe (The Popular – Lazy Style of Getting to see the shoebill Stork)
While using this mode of transport, you’ll be picked up at your hotel by car and transferred to the landing site in the Nakiwogo trading center where you will meet up with your local boat captain/guide who will immediately get you started on your trip to find the shoebill on Lake Victoria. Look out for other bird sightings en route.
By Mountain Bike (Fair fitness levels required)
The Mountain bike experience allows our clients to enjoy the experience of cycling on Ugandan roads as they ride through the local communities.
A common Swahili phrase”MZUNGU“- to mean white person will be the word of the day as the locals especially kids call out on you at the top of their voices just to smile and say bye to you.
No. of Persons By canoe By Mountain Bike
1 $90 $110
2 $65pp $80pp
3 $50pp 70pp
4 $45pp $65pp
5 $40pp $55pp
6 $35pp $50pp
Abbreviations Used:
pp - per person.
Includes & Excludes as mentioned below:
What is included in this tour:
- Shoebill tracking conservation fees payable to the swamp local authorities at Mabamba.
- Canoe Hire/ Mountain bike hire with a helmet.
- A full-time English-speaking Ugandan local guide.
What is not included in this tour:
- Visa Fees ($50) in Uganda
- Any government imposed increments on park fees/taxes.
- Accommodation.
- International flights (from/to your home country).
- Tips (tipping guideline US$10 per person).
- Personal items (souvenirs, travel insurance… etc.)
Consider adding some of the following suggestions to your 1 Day Shoebill tracking excursion On Lake Victoria
ADD a Visit to the Entebbe Botanical gardens
The Botanical gardens in Entebbe are worth a visit. This can be easily added to your Shoebill tracking excursion tour in Entebbe
Learn more about: Entebbe Botanical gardens.
ADD a Visit to the Craft Market In Entebbe
Go shopping for Souvenirs & gifts to take back to your friends and/or family. The crafts Market in Entebbe will offer you a varied range of African fabrics, artworks and so much more to choose from.
Learn More about the Best Place to buy African Crafts in Entebbe
